Description
Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef, protein-packed kidney beans, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for any season, this gluten-free chili offers a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
Spices and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the chili.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Add spices: Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their aromas and deepen the flavor profile.
- Combine main ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Season and thicken: Season the chili with salt and black pepper according to taste. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the chili slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This chili can be made a day ahead; flavors improve when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
